A few days ago we published our review of the Audi RS4 Avant, (you can read our review of the performance wagon by clicking here). That model has now been joined by an even more powerful sibling, say hello to the Audi RS6 Avant.

Mean machine

It may seem as though we’ve posted photos of a tuner special, but we promise that those are official images of the standard Audi RS6 Avant you see above. Audi has come under fire for many years for its staid designs, and the new RS6 seems to go completely in the other direction.

There is plenty to keep the eyes entertained, from that intricately styled front end to the large alloys (21-inches as standard), low-slung ride height all the way to the roof spoiler and fat twin exhaust tips, the RS6 announces its performance credentials in no uncertain terms. Speaking of…

V8 turbo power

Under that ribbed bonnet is a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that displaces 4,0-litres. It cranks out 441 kW (600 hp in old money) of power and 800 N.m of torque. Audi says that the RS6 Avant will blast from 0-100 km/h in 3,6 seconds and from 0-200 km/h in just 12 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but that can be lifted to 305 km/h if you opt for the Dynamic Package Plus.

The force-fed V8 sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. In normal conditions power is split 40:60 favouring the rear axle. In extreme conditions, a maximum of 70 per cent can be sent to the front axle and 85 to the rears.

RS inside

The cabin of the RS6 features the same high-tech interior treatment as seen in the Audi Q8 (click here to read our recent review). To differentiate the high-performance range-leader is features RS-specific cues within the digital instrument cluster. These include a G-force meter, temperature readings of various components, torque, power, boost pressure, lap times, and RS-specific graphics. For enthusiastic driving, there are now RS modes accessed by a button on the steering wheel. These modes adjust throttle response, steering weight, and suspension stiffness depending on the setting.

You can learn more about the intricacies of the Audi RS6 Avant in this detailed video: